{"id":31309,"date":"2015-05-16T14:24:33","date_gmt":"2015-05-16T21:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lenpenzo.com\/blog\/?p=31309"},"modified":"2015-05-16T17:25:44","modified_gmt":"2015-05-17T00:25:44","slug":"black-coffee-the-american-atlas-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lenpenzo.com\/blog\/id31309-black-coffee-the-american-atlas-edition.html","title":{"rendered":"Black Coffee: The American Atlas Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"It’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy a little joe<\/em> …<\/p>\n

Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what’s been going on in the world of money and personal finance.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, my plane from Boston got in very late last night and I didn’t get home until almost midnight. As a result, I slept right through my Saturday morning — and that means I’ve got an espresso edition for you this week.<\/p>\n

I know. I promise I’ll be back next week with a regular edition of Black Coffee for you.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let’s get started …<\/p>\n

Credits and Debits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debit:<\/strong><\/span> If you’re one of the millions of Americans without any significant emergency savings, you’re not alone: According to his most recent public financial statement, President Obama has less than $1001<\/a> in his savings account too. Wow.<\/p>\n

Credit:<\/strong><\/span> Of course, unlike most Americans, with declared assets<\/a> between $1.9 million and $6.9 million, the President does<\/em> have a substantial net worth to lean on — at least on paper. So there’s that, I guess.<\/p>\n

Debit:<\/strong><\/span> As the number of quality US jobs continue to dwindle, it’s no wonder most Americans are unable to save. How bad is the decline? In a word: ugly. There are 100 million more Americans today than in 1979 — but 7.2 million fewer manufacturing jobs<\/a>. Think about that for a moment. It’s okay; I’ll wait.<\/p>\n

Credit:<\/strong><\/span> The great Ross Perot was right<\/a>: You can blame the loss of all those manufacturing jobs — and America’s decline — on free trade agreements like NAFTA, which was ultimately passed in 1993. (Insert “giant sucking sound” here.)<\/p>\n

Credit:<\/strong><\/span> Most people forget Perot received almost 20% of the popular vote for US President in 1992. I suspect that percentage would have been much higher if his running mate, Admiral James Stockdale<\/a>, hadn’t torpedoed him. Uh huh. That pun was intended.<\/p>\n

Debit:<\/strong><\/span> Today, our hollowed-out American economy is in such disarray that one poor guy on a New York City subway platform was recently beaten and robbed of his pants<\/a> and shoes — in broad daylight.<\/p>\n

Debit:<\/strong><\/span> I know crime in the Big Apple<\/a> has been climbing ever since Mayor DeBlasio was elected in 2013, but stealing trousers is beyond ridiculous. Then again, pilfering pants is a national phenomenon now: Similar crimes have also been committed recently in Florida<\/a>, Delaware<\/a>, and Oklahoma<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Credit:<\/strong><\/span> By the way, next year, Hawaiians will be losing their pants too after the Aloha State’s underperforming $205 million Obamacare exchange closes its doors<\/a> next year due to low enrollment. Yes, Utopia lost. Again.<\/p>\n

The Question of the Week<\/strong><\/p>\n

[poll id=\"61\"]<\/code><\/p>\n

Last Week’s Poll Result<\/strong><\/p>\n

When will you take your primary summer vacation this year?<\/p>\n